Benefit reduction could harm those with mental health problems

Reducing the amount of benefits those with mental health problems are entitled to could have a serious impact, according to one industry expert.

Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, explained that cuts to welfare benefits proposed by the government come with "high risks".

"When someone is put down a level in terms of what benefits they receive, that can have a very dramatically negative effect on somebody and the accuracy of the assessment cases is still rather questionable," he said.

Many people with mental issues rely on disability allowance to support them in their day-to-day lives, but changes to regulations will mean many won't qualify for income or will have to undergo rigorous tests to prove their mental state.

Mr Bell claims that this process has no beneficial effects and proposals to sanction people who do not comply with the Work Programme are treading on dangerous ground.

By reducing the amount of people eligible for benefits could mean that individuals have to return to work before they are mentally able, causing relapses and long term problems.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.